5 Best Free VPNs for Australia: Streaming and Safety in 2023

A good VPN will protect your online privacy, give you access to global content from home, and let you use local Aussie services when you’re abroad. But finding the right one for Australia can be tricky, especially when you’re looking for a free VPN.

I spent several weeks testing 40+ free VPNs for Australia and found that many aren’t safe to use. Some leak or sell your identifiable information, while others lack key security features, so you can’t depend on them to protect your data from hackers or prying eyes.

Even if you’re just looking to access more streaming services, you’ll have to deal with annoying caps and limitations. Free VPNs can’t usually access the most popular platforms, and those that can have low monthly data caps, so you can’t use them for long.

I did find a few free VPNs for Australia that are at least safe to use (which I’ve listed below). But the truth is, if you want a reliable service without the inconvenient restrictions, your best bet is to go for a cheap paid VPN instead.

Of all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN is my favorite for Australia. While it’s not 100% free, it’s still my top choice because it offers excellent speeds, unlimited data, robust security, and a worldwide network. So, it’s an ideal choice for streaming and gaming. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without risk.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

Best Free VPNs for Australia — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest and Most Secure Australia VPN

ExpressVPN is the only option on my list that ticks all the right boxes for Australia. It has 7 Australian servers across 6 cities, so I could consistently access Australian content. Even though it’s not completely free, ExpressVPN lets you stream, download files, browse, access more games, or just protect your online privacy without the limitations free VPNs bring. No data caps, small server networks, or slowdowns here!

ExpressVPN is the fastest of all the VPNs I tested. I tried 5 of its nearby servers and recorded an average download speed of 120.48 Mbps (only a 6% drop from my base connection). Even on long-distance servers in Australia over 8,000 km away, I got speeds of 100.88 Mbps (a 21% drop), so I barely noticed a difference — I could stream in 4K with no issues.

ExpressVPN can offer speeds so fast because it developed its own Lightway protocol that’s also been audited for security

Thanks to its global server network, accessing geo-restricted content is super easy with ExpressVPN. From the UK, I could access Channel 9, Stan, Kayo Sports, and Netflix Australia via the Sydney and Brisbane servers. I also used its New York server to stream Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max.

Equally important, ExpressVPN makes it a point to protect its users’ privacy at all costs. It has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited by several firms. Also, it’s based in the British Virgin Islands, where there are no data retention laws, so you can be sure that your online activity remains your business alone.

Even though it’s not completely free, you can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, it's really easy to get your money back — when I requested a refund, it was approved within a few minutes. I got my money back a few days later.

Useful Features

• Strong security features. All your data is well-protected with ExpressVPN’s robust security features, like AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.
• RAM-based servers. ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers (TrustedServer technology), which means all user data gets deleted on every reboot. You can rest assured that your online activity will not be traced back to you whether you’re in Australia or abroad.
• P2P-friendly. Each of ExpressVPN’s servers is P2P-friendly, so you can torrent safely and without limitations. It also offers split tunneling to help boost download speeds and Threat Manager, which blocks sites that ExpressVPN has blacklisted for containing malicious links.
• SmartDNS proxy. ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer lets you stream US content on devices that don’t typically support VPNs. This includes smart TVs, gaming consoles, Roku, and more.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

2. CyberGhost — Specialty Aussie Servers for Streaming and More

CyberGhost makes an excellent VPN for Australia thanks to its low prices and wide range of streaming-optimized servers. You can easily access global streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and more with no data limit. I’ve tried lots of free VPNs, and in my experience, they’re unreliable for streaming. They’re either too slow or simply fail to unblock geoblocked content.

I tested CyberGhost’s Netflix AU specialty server and had no problem accessing the content exclusive to this region. The VPN worked just as well with Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. To see how reliable the connections are, I connected to its Melbourne server and watched Silver Point on ABC iView with no interruptions. These streaming-optimized servers are monitored and frequently tested to ensure they work.

CyberGhost has 3 optimized streaming servers in Australia for Netflix, 10Play, and 9Now

It also offers good speeds. During my tests on its nearby servers, I recorded an average speed of 117 Mbps (a drop of only 9%). It dropped more when I connected to a long-distance server in Australia — I recorded 72 Mbps (a 42% drop). It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, but if you have a decent baseline connection, you’ll be able to stream, torrent, and browse without significant slowdowns.

To protect your digital privacy, CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy. It’s also based in privacy-friendly Romania, which is outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes jurisdiction. This means it can easily uphold its privacy commitment to its users.

Although you have to pay for it upfront, its 45-day money-back guarantee allows you to test CyberGhost out for free. If you’re not happy, you can get a full refund.

Useful Features

• Easy-to-use apps. CyberGhost offers a 1-click connect feature, which automatically sets you up with the fastest server based on your location. You can also add servers to your favourites list, making it even easier to connect to servers for international streaming or accessing Aussie content when you’re travelling.
• Dedicated torrenting and gaming servers. These are optimized for fast speeds, so you can download files quickly and play games without any noticeable lag.
• Strong security. You get leak protection, military-grade encryption, and an automatic kill switch with CyberGhost, helping to protect your online privacy against Australia’s strict online surveillance laws. It also has a feature called Block Content to prevent ads, malware, and trackers.
• Auto-protect feature. This automatically connects you to a VPN server when you hop on a public WiFi network, which is a great way to keep your data safe whether you’re in Australia or abroad. There's also a feature called Smart Rules that lets you customize automatic connections when you launch CyberGhost or any other app.

Try CyberGhost Risk-Free >>

3. Proton VPN — Free Yet Solid Australia VPN With Unlimited Data for Streaming

Proton VPN offers unlimited data and bandwidth on its free plan, so you can stream international content for hours without interruptions. This is impressive because most free VPNs impose strict data limits and only give you a couple of GBs per month, making Proton VPN is a refreshing rarity.

The free version offers 112 servers in 3 countries (Japan, the Netherlands, and the US). During my tests, I used its US-FREE#3 server and watched 7 episodes of Attack on Titan on Crunchyroll. I never experienced any slowdowns or connection drops during the stream. Unfortunately, it didn’t work with Disney+, Hulu, and region-locked Netflix titles — I could only watch Netflix Originals.

The load on each server is displayed on the info button — servers with the lowest load are usually the fastest

I always say, “if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product”, but that’s not the case with ProtonVPN. Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy to keep your sensitive information safe. Plus, it’s headquartered in Switzerland, which is a privacy-friendly country based outside of the 5/9/14-Eyes alliance. So, you can rest assured that your data isn’t being sold to third parties.

The free version does have a few limitations, though. For example, you don’t get Australian IP servers, so you can’t watch Australian content from abroad. With that in mind, ProtonVPN’s free plan is best for users in Australia that want to access some international TV for free.

Useful Features

• Robust security. You’ll get all the basic security features, including military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, so you can still keep your data safe even if you don’t have the money to spare for a premium VPN.
• Equipped for speed. Proton VPN offers WireGuard, which is one of the fastest VPN protocols and has excellent security. I got decent speeds with WireGuard and didn’t experience buffering issues while streaming international content. It also has a feature called VPN Accelerator which uses a combination of technologies to give you a speed boost — just 1 click enables it.
• Router support. The free plan only allows you to connect one device at a time. However, it’s compatible with routers, so you can cover your entire network.

Try Proton VPN Risk-Free >>

4. Avira Phantom VPN — Great Free Australia VPN for Android and iOS

Avira Phantom VPN is the best completely free Australia VPN for mobile devices. The free apps for iOS and Android give you access to 37 server locations, including 2 in Australia.

By connecting to the Perth server on my Android device, I successfully unblocked the entire Netflix Australia library and streamed Monty Python and the Holy Grail with no issues. I also gained access to Stan and 7 Plus. Similarly, the US - Streaming server allowed seamless access to Netflix US, Disney+, and Hulu.

Avira Phantom VPN let me stream from Netflix with no issues

During my tests on Windows, I connected to its free “nearest location” server and received a download speed of 86.43 Mbps (32% speed loss). While it’s not the fastest VPN I’ve used, it’s great for a free VPN.

It’s too bad that Avira only gives up to 1 GB of data per month, which is only enough for 1 hour of HD streaming. You’ll only get 500 MB of data if you don’t provide your email address, which isn’t ideal if you’re privacy-conscious. However, if you just need a VPN to access Aussie services like banking while you’re travelling, this will likely be more than enough.

Useful Features

• Basic security features. The free plan comes with leak protection and military-grade encryption to keep your data safe. Unfortunately, there’s no kill switch.
• No-logs policy. Avira Phantom VPN has a strict no-logs policy, so it will never store any identifiable data.
• Built-in malware blocker. It offers a built-in malware blocker for PCs to ensure the data on your device will not be compromised.

Try Avira Phantom VPN Risk-Free >>

5. hide.me — Decent Security Features to Protect Your Data

Hide.me provides a variety of distinctive and adjustable security features, a characteristic often not found in free VPNs. Among these features is the Auto Connect function that lets you tailor the VPN's behavior upon connecting to a network.

For instance, I set it to "ask" before I join any unsecured networks. When I visited my local cafe, the VPN notified me that the WiFi there wasn’t secured and asked if I wanted to connect to the VPN before using it. This is particularly handy if you’re traveling and have to rely on public networks.

This feature is customizable for secure, unsecure, and ethernet connections

It offers servers in 9 locations, including the US (East and West), the UK, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Singapore. You can use any of these location’s servers for up to 10GB of data a month. You can keep using hide.me after that, but you’ll be randomly allocated a server.

However, the free version doesn’t offer any servers in Australia, so I couldn’t access my favorite Australian sites either. This makes this VPN less than ideal if you’re trying to access Aussie services like banking when you’re abroad.

Useful Features

• Live chat. hide.me offers live chat support, which is almost unheard of for free VPNs. Should you run into any problems, you can get all your answers instantly.
• Essential security features. All of hide.me’s apps come with military-grade encryption, leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. It also offer 5 different protocols, so you’ll be able to optimize your connection to international servers.

Try hide.me Risk-Free >>

Quick Comparison Table: Best Free VPNs for Australia

Although all the free VPNs on this list are trustworthy and secure, they differ significantly in several respects. The table below compares essential features such as speed and data allowances for each free VPN. Slow speeds and restricted data usage may lead to buffering and disruptions during your online activities. Therefore, it's preferable to choose a fast VPN with ample data.

Depending on your use for the VPN, you may also need a free VPN offering P2P support and servers in Australia. While P2P support is needed for torrenting, Australian servers are necessary to access this country's sites and streaming platforms.

If security and privacy are your main concerns, consider the signup process, where the VPN is based, and if it offers a kill switch. Without having to sign up, you don't have to share personal information with the VPN provider — such as your email address. In addition, VPNs based outside of the 5/9/14-Eyes jurisdiction are not obligated to hand your data over to government agencies. The kill switch will keep your traffic secured in case of a connection drop.

Start Risk-Free with ExpressVPN >>

Tips on How to Choose the Best Free VPN for Australia

Listed below is the criteria I used to rank my top picks. Feel free to use this as a checklist in helping you make an informed decision when choosing the best free VPN for Australia:

• Strong security and privacy — All the VPNs on this list offer essential security features, like military-grade encryption and leak protection. This helps protect your device and personal data, whether you connect in Australia or another location. Moreover, I also read each VPN’s logging policy to ensure that they don’t store any identifiable user information.
• Fast speeds — I tested the nearby and long-distance servers of all the VPNs on this list to make sure you can browse, stream, and torrent in or outside of Australia without slowdowns. I got a minimum speed of 27.7 Mbps, which is more than enough for these activities.
• Enough data — Most free VPNs impose strict data restrictions. However, I made sure to only list the VPNs that offer at least 1 GB of data, so you'll have sufficient time to use them before encountering any annoying interruptions.
• Streaming support — Free VPNs often do not work with streaming sites. However, I made sure to only choose VPNs that work with at least a couple of streaming sites, like Netflix Originals and Funimation. The best way to access popular streaming services (and Australia-specific content) is to use a premium VPN.
• Easy to use — Choose a free VPN that is easy to use. All the free VPNs on this list are easy to set up and have native apps for most modern devices, so you can use them without issues even if you’re new to VPNs.
• Reliable support — Look for a free VPN that provides responsive customer support. This way you can get answers to your questions. Live chat is preferred (for quicker response times), but most free VPNs don’t offer it. I made sure to choose VPNs that offer support, whether via live chat, email, or knowledge base.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

Are Free VPNs Any Good?

Despite the perception of free VPNs as a budget-friendly option, they present various risks and limitations. To guarantee the safety of your personal information, we have extensively tested each VPN included in this compilation. However, I consistently advise opting for a premium, paid VPN such as ExpressVPN or CyberGhost, as they offer complete protection and reliable access to both local Australian and global content.

These are the risks that come with many free VPNs:

• They can log your data. Many free VPNs make profit by collecting and selling your data to third parties. Make sure to choose a VPN that has a trustworthy no-logs policy.
• Your data risks being exposed. Free VPNs often lack important security features, like military-grade encryption and leak protection. Plus, they don’t have the resources to keep up with the latest security vulnerabilities. Data leaks can put you at risk of being exposed to various cyberthreats.
• Free VPNs can expose you to malware. Some free VPNs have been known to bombard users with malicious ads, which can infect your device and put your privacy at risk.
• Limited service. Compared to premium VPNs, free VPNs offer a very limited service, with restricted server options, lower data caps, and slower speeds. This means that you may not be able to find an Aussie server, unblock international content, or access your home streaming libraries when traveling.

Free VPNs to Avoid

Unlike the free VPNs for Australia on my list, these free VPNs are dangerous to use. They can share your data with third parties and have had malware and viruses embedded in their apps. The following free VPNs are not safe and should be avoided:

• Hola Free VPN: Hola is essentially a P2P network — you share your network with other users on the network. This means that someone else’s traffic might pass through your device, and if they were to do something illegal, you’ll be held accountable since they’re using your IP address.
• TurboVPN: It keeps logs of your data and bombards you with annoying ads.
• Betternet VPN: The VPN lacks essential security features, like an automatic kill switch and leak protection. In addition, it has a weak privacy policy and unreliable speeds.
• Psiphon: It logs a massive amount of data, including connection timestamps, session duration, and even websites you visit.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

FAQs on the Best VPNs for Australia

Can I use a free VPN to watch geo-restricted content from Australia?

It's possible, but most free VPNs do not work well with streaming sites. You’re better off using a low-cost premium VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee. Free VPNs are usually limited versions of paid VPNs. By limiting security features, unblocking abilities, speeds, and data, they push users to upgrade.

In addition to accessing Australian content, low-cost premium VPNs also work well with global sites, like Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. CyberGhost even has streaming-optimized servers that make it super easy to unblock popular sites.

Which free VPNs have servers in Australia?

Only the premium VPNs I tested gave me consistent access to Australian servers. My top recommended VPNs have multiple servers in Australia, which you can use to access Australian content at any time. Even though they’re not 100% free, they’re backed by trustworthy money-back guarantees. This way, you have plenty of time to test the features without risk, since you can claim a full refund within the guarantee period.

That said, Avira Phantom is the only 100% free VPN I tested offering Australian servers — but not everyone gets access to them. With its Windows and Mac apps, the server is automatically selected for you, which is based on your physical location. So, if you’re in (or close to) Australia, then you might get connected to an Australian server. However, its free Android and iOS apps give you access to 2 servers in Australia.

Can I use a proxy instead of a VPN to watch Australian TV?

Yes, but I don’t recommend it. While you can use a proxy to watch Australian TV, a VPN is a much better option. A proxy server masks your IP address, but it doesn't encrypt your internet traffic like a VPN does. This means that your online activities can still be monitored by your ISP, the government, or any other third party that may be interested in your data. Plus, proxies often have limited server options and can be unreliable, leading to buffering and other streaming issues.

You can also use the Tor browser, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you want to stream, as your speeds will be significantly reduced.

Do free VPNs for Australia work with the Chrome browser?

Yes, but it's important to be aware that Chrome browser extensions only encrypt your browser traffic, leaving your other online activities exposed. Additionally, not all free VPN providers offer reliable performance or robust security features. Some free Chrome extensions may inject ads or malware into your web pages, while others may collect your browsing data and sell it to third-party advertisers. You’ll need to use a full VPN app from a reputable provider to secure all your internet traffic, including that in Chrome.

Despite their limitations, some free VPN extensions can be useful for occasional browsing or accessing geo-restricted content. However, it’s unlikely you’ll find a free VPN Chrome extension that gives you access to Australian content.

Can I watch Australian sports using a free VPN?

It’s possible, but it’s very unlikely that a free VPN will let you access Australian sports streaming services. Even if it does have an Aussie server, free VPNs are often unreliable when it comes to overcoming geo-blocking technology. Many free VPNs also have slow speeds, so they may be too slow and cause buffering issues which are super annoying during live streams.

To reliably unblock Australian sports streaming services like DAZN, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, or Optus Sport, I recommend using a low-cost premium VPN instead. These are way more reliable, offer better speeds and unlimited data so you can watch without interruptions.

What is the best free Australian VPN for iPhone?

Any of the Australia VPNs listed are good options for iPhone. It just depends on what you want to use the VPN for. If you need a server in Australia to access local content, then not many free VPNs offer this. I always recommend a low-cost premium VPN because they have plenty of Australian servers and are way more reliable for streaming. Truly free VPNs tend to limit your data usage to a few gigabytes per month. They also usually just don’t work to access geoblocked services.

However, if you’re simply concerned about protecting your online privacy, then any of the free VPNs for Australia listed are great options.

Can I get a free trial of a premium VPN in Australia?

Yes, many premium VPNs offer free trials, so you can try them out before committing to a subscription. If they don’t come with a free trial, then most premium VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, which is better in my opinion. A money-back guarantee allows you to test the full service for longer than a standard 7 days (usually 30 days or more) — the only drawback is you have to pay upfront and ask for a refund within the guarantee period.

Is using a VPN legal in Australia?

Yes, it’s completely legal to use a VPN in Australia. There are no laws that prohibit VPN use in the country. Your online activities are what determine legal and illegal VPN use. For instance, using a VPN to download copyrighted content is not permissible by law in any country, so you could get into trouble for that.

The team at vpnMentor does not condone illegal activities, so please check your local laws to avoid facing serious consequences if you’re not sure.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

Get the Best Free VPN for Australia Today

Many free VPNs for Australia are unsafe and don't work with popular streaming sites. This can be due to the lack of security features needed to mask your IP. Even those that are secure typically have limited server networks and data — making it difficult to do much streaming at all.

However, ExpressVPN not only works with the most popular streaming sites, but it's also super safe. It’s not 100% free, but it doesn’t limit you like most free VPNs do. It has top security features, superfast speeds, and a huge server network (including Australian connections). For these reasons, it's an excellent choice for privacy protection and streaming in Australia or abroad. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy, you can get a full refund.

The best VPNs for Australia that come with money-back guarantees are…